Dangers of Chocolate

Chocolate treats will tempt anyone, including your pet. However, mixing chocolate with four legs may be a tragic or deadly combination for Fido the dog.  

The Oregon Humane Society suggests the best way to give your pet some holiday love is with some pet-friendly treats. Visit your local pet supply shop such as Best Friends Corner located in the lobby of the shelter and find the perfect expression of love: treats, leashes, collars, grooming supplies, and more.  

Here's the skinny on chocolate:  An ingredient in chocolate called theobromine may cause vomiting and restlessness in pets. If your pet ingests a large amount of chocolate, it can be fatal. The lethal dose of theobromine depends on the size of the dog and the type of chocolate. (Consult your veterinarian.)

Even the smallest amounts can be fatal:

• Ounce for ounce, baking chocolate has six to nine times as much of the substance as milk chocolate does.

• ½ to 1 ounce of baking chocolate or 4 to 10 ounces of milk chocolate may be dangerous for small dogs, such as chihuahuas and toy poodles.

• 2 to 3 ounces of baking chocolate or 1 to 1½ pounds of milk chocolate may be dangerous for medium-sized dogs, like cocker spaniels and dachshunds.

• 4 to 8 ounces of baking chocolate or 2 to 4½ pounds of milk chocolate may be dangerous for large dogs, including collies and labrador retrievers.  

A veterinarian should be consulted as soon as an accidental chocolate ingestion is discovered - time is of the essence. Treatment may require inducing vomiting, stabilizing the animal's heartbeat and respiration, controlling seizures, and slowing the absorption of theobromine found in chocolate. Do not delay treatment.  

Dogs seem to be more attracted to this tasty yet forbidden confection. Cats have much different eating habits and seldom are poisoned by chocolate.  

Contact OHS's Behavior Department, email or (503) 285-7722 ext 227